Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2026-07-01T07:03:00

(BPT) – Homeowners seeking transformative bathroom renovations may be surprised to learn just how accessible it is to realize their vision. Current trends topping the list in bathroom design this year include greater design personalization, handcrafted home materials and a more cohesive overall design. All of these are possible to achieve with the help of Kohler^® bathroom solutions.

Explore these options to help you shape a vision for a bathroom that feels as elevated as it is functional, creating a look and ambience that expresses your sense of style.

Personalization through design

One huge trend shift in 2026 bathroom design is away from a minimalist approach and toward a more personalized aesthetic. Consider this space as an opportunity to explore a look uniquely your own, instead of making your bathroom look just like everyone else’s.

To help you create the look you want, Kohler^® makes customization easy by offering Mix & Match faucets. You can select your own combination of spout, handle and finish from these three distinct collections with different style expressions — traditional, transitional and modern — for over 50 possible combinations:

• Components^® lets you elevate your bathroom space with bold sophistication, where strong lines meet smooth forms to create faucets with a distinctly modern aesthetic. New York-based designer Cara Woodhouse selected Components^® faucets as a feature in a recent home renovation.
• Occasion^® is a sculptural collection where pentagonal accents and mod shapes come together to create faucets fashioned to be the center of attention.
• Artifacts^® captures the charm of turn-of-the-century homes, using vintage silhouettes and elegant details for a look that never goes out of style.

To create your unique look, simply:

1. Choose your spout: Select from a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as deck- or wall-mount options for a design to anchor your space.
2. Choose your handles: Pair your faucet with a range of handle options including lever, cross and industrial styles.
3. Choose your finish: Select your desired tone (polished, brushed or matte), that you can elegantly coordinate or unapologetically contrast with accessories, lighting and showering components.

Sustainability and craftsmanship

Another trend that’s continuing to gather steam is prioritizing sustainable materials and methods. Combined with concern for the environment, this trend also favors design elements that are well-crafted rather than cookie-cutter or seemingly mass produced.

If this trend speaks to you, consider a WasteLAB^® DemiLav^® rectangular vessel sink when you’re planning your next bathroom upgrade. Each sink is made with at least 70% recycled materials sourced from manufacturing waste streams. Handcrafted by artisans and American made, these sinks are made in small batches, creating natural variation and individuality.

WasteLAB^® DemiLav^® sinks are designed to balance sustainability with high design, offering a unique, expressive focal point. Each sink brings craftsmanship to your bathroom, with a refined, elegant design featuring a deep, symmetrical basin with rounded edges. These sinks meticulously transform repurposed industrial materials into sophisticated and luxurious centerpieces, without compromising sustainability.

Cohesive bathroom design

Another way to elevate your bathroom’s look is by creating an overall cohesive design, a trend that can be achieved using repeated colors through color drenching — even using the same color for walls, trim and ceiling — to unify the look of any space.

For a truly cohesive bathroom design, the Kohler x Studio McGee Claude collection offers an authentically timeless full-suite collection including toilets, sinks, vanities, mirrors and baths that are all designed in a modern classic style, though inspired by historic details. Designed to create a coordinated aesthetic across the entire space, this collection blends timeless design elements with modern performance. The Kohler x Studio McGee Claude collection uses architectural detailing and classic forms for a modern yet enduring look.

Within this collection, you can choose from three different bathroom sink options (console, pedestal and undermount) to tie powder rooms, guest bathrooms and primary bathrooms together in a home without over-repeating.

Customizing your home so it’s uniquely your own, with sustainable options and cohesive spaces, is a goal you can make happen, with the right approach and products meant to inspire.

For whatever direction you want to go with your next bathroom transformation, explore all the possibilities at Kohler.com.

2026-06-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – Key Takeaways

• When you’re looking for a lawn mower, make sure to learn about important differences between gas- versus battery-powered models.
• Battery-powered lawn mower owners often experience dissatisfaction due to their concerns around their cost, convenience and performance.
• In a recent study, consumers share what they learned about the disadvantages of battery-powered mowers.
• Gas mowers offer higher torque, stronger performance, longer run time and better long-term durability than battery-powered mowers.
• Briggs & Stratton provides gas-powered lawn mowers that are easy to use, durable and deliver peak power from start to finish.

Many owners of battery-powered lawn mowers are dissatisfied with their purchase, for a variety of reasons. In fact, 92% of battery mower owners who replaced their original battery did so within the first two years of ownership, revealing that their batteries don’t always run as long as owners would want. This is just one of many surprising insights from a study* conducted by Hanover Research that uncovers details about experiences consumers have had with battery-powered mowers — and why they might choose differently next time.

If you’ve shopped for a lawn mower in 2026, or recently purchased one, you may not have considered the value of basic engine power. In today’s market where battery-powered mowers are everywhere, it’s easy to overlook the long-term durability and reliability offered by traditional gas mowers.

Here are key facts you should know before your next mower purchase — especially if you’re one of the 64% who bought a battery mower five years ago and are now “highly likely to consider gas-powered mowers” in the future.*

What are the differences between battery and gas lawn mowers?

The differences between gas and battery lawn mowers don’t start and end with their power source.

One key advantage of gas-powered mowers is that they offer a longer run time. If you have a large yard, knowing you can finish the job without having to stop to recharge a battery makes a huge difference. The Hanover Research study found that 25% of battery mower users needed more than one charge to cut their lawn.

Other key benefits gas-powered mowers offer include:

• Powerful, sustained torque to tackle long, wet or thick grass
• Long-running, durable and reliable engine power
• Faster time to refill a gas tank (45 seconds) versus recharging a battery (45 minutes)

Gas mowers also score ahead of battery mowers for cutting grass more evenly and bagging grass more efficiently. Using a battery mower, 30% of homeowners find they’re cutting more often, and 11% are cutting much more often, compared to using a gas mower.*

2026-06-24T09:01:00

(BPT) – As homeowners increasingly seek spaces that feel personal, functional, and enduring, a new design philosophy is taking hold: intentionality through restraint. Today’s kitchens prioritize thoughtful omission, where every detail serves a purpose and every element tells a story. With this shift, kitchens are becoming more curated and collected, evolving alongside the people who use them. The Brizo^® Faircroft™ Kitchen Collection is one example of how manufacturers are responding to this broader shift toward kitchens that value both beauty and utility, blending historical influences with contemporary performance.

Living finishes and the return of patina

Minimalist, understated interiors once defined contemporary kitchens, but today’s homeowners are gravitating toward warmth, authenticity, and inviting spaces. Living finishes like Unlacquered Brass embrace imperfection while bringing depth and character into the home. Over time, the material reacts to touch, environment, and daily use, developing a patina unique to each space. As the finish naturally patinas, it creates a kitchen that feels distinctly personal and reflective of its use over time.

Technology that disappears into daily life

As kitchens become more purposeful, innovation is evolving to match. Rather than competing for attention, today’s most effective solutions simplify daily tasks while remaining visually unobtrusive. The Faircroft™ Kitchen Collection introduces the brand’s first widespread kitchen faucet that incorporates SmartTouch^® Technology, enabling intuitive, touch-activated use. From meal prep to cleanup, users can activate the faucet with a simple touch, streamlining everyday tasks without disrupting the visual integrity of the space.

The rise of integrated utility

Integrated functionality now sits at the center of kitchen design, ensuring every detail supports daily routines. Homeowners are seeking solutions that work together to create a more intuitive experience. The Wall Mount Bridge Faucet from the Faircroft™ Kitchen Collection reflects this shift, pairing architectural design with a full suite of integrated accessories. A soap dispenser, jewelry tray, soap tray, towel bar and basket keep essentials within reach while maintaining a cohesive visual language throughout the kitchen.

Today’s kitchens are once again being designed to reflect the lives lived within them — the meals shared and memories made, reminiscent of 1930s and 1940s American kitchens where fixtures were built to age gracefully alongside the home. At the same time, they are being reimagined to support the realities of modern life through technology, thoughtful integration, and materials that grow richer with use. The result is a kitchen designed not only to endure, but to deepen in meaning over time.

2026-06-23T09:17:01

(BPT) – When homeowners think about indoor comfort, temperature is usually the first consideration. Thermostats are adjusted, or vents are opened or closed. But if you have ever walked into a room that displayed the right temperature but still seemed sticky and stuffy, or a bedroom that just won’t cool down, you’ve experienced the bigger picture of comfort.

Indoor comfort is not just about temperature; it is also about humidity, airflow and how evenly a home is cooled or heated. For example, humid air can feel heavy, sticky and warmer than it actually is, while dry air can cause discomfort and irritation.

As homeowners come to this realization, they are often looking beyond basic heating and cooling and thinking about comfort more holistically. The HVAC industry now produces systems that control temperature and moisture, noise levels and more, all things buyers should consider when contemplating upgrading their home system.

The secret to better comfort: Variable-speed compressor technology

One of the most effective advancements in this space is the use of variable-speed compressors. Think of a traditional single-stage system like a car with only two speeds, parked or full throttle. A variable-speed system, by comparison, operates more like cruise control, automatically adjusting to maintain a smooth, steady ride. Unlike traditional single-stage systems that cycle on and off at full capacity, variable-speed technology adjusts output continuously to match the home’s needs.

This longer, steadier operation allows systems to better manage humidity by removing more moisture from the air over time rather than just rapidly cooling it. The result is a more consistent indoor environment that feels less clammy, more comfortable and operates with a system that is more energy efficient. This approach also supports better indoor air quality.

By reducing excess moisture, homeowners can limit conditions that contribute to mold growth and other issues. For families increasingly focused on health and wellness at home, humidity control is a primary driver of comfort.

Less noise, more comfort

At the same time, comfort is not just about how a space feels, but also how it sounds. As homes evolve into multi-functional spaces such as offices, classrooms and relaxation areas, noise from mechanical systems can become a noticeable disruption.

Modern HVAC systems, such as Rheem^®‘s Endeavor^® line, are rising to meet that expectation through thoughtful engineering and advanced components. HVAC systems with variable-speed compressors, for example, have fewer moving parts than traditional designs, resulting in smoother, quieter performance. When paired with sound-dampening features such as insulated compressor compartments, optimized refrigerant flow, and precision-balanced fan blades, these systems can achieve sound levels comparable to a normal conversation.

Fan and airflow design also play a crucial role. By carefully engineering airflow paths and reducing turbulence within the unit, manufacturers minimize vibration and mechanical noise. The result is a system that performs efficiently and quietly, an increasingly important factor in open-concept homes where living, working and sleeping areas often overlap.

Even temperatures: Utilizing zoning comfort solutions

Beyond humidity and acoustics, another key factor in shaping indoor comfort is consistency from room to room. Many homeowners are familiar with the frustration of hot and cold spots, like bedrooms that never seem to cool down, basements that feel damp and chilly or second floors that trap heat. These imbalances are often the result of traditional systems delivering uniform output to spaces with very different needs.

Zoned comfort solutions address this challenge. By dividing a home into distinct areas, or zones, and controlling each independently with multiple units, HVAC systems can deliver the right amount of heating or cooling exactly where it’s needed. Multi-stage systems further enhance this capability by adjusting output in increments, thereby avoiding the temperature swings associated with single-stage operation.

Ductless mini-split systems, increasingly common in everything from sunrooms and home additions to primary living areas, provide advanced zoning and deliver precise room control without ductwork. These systems are great for additions, older homes or spaces with unique comfort needs. By stabilizing temperatures throughout, zoning technology helps eliminate inconsistencies that undermine comfort. The practical result: One family member can keep the home office cool for focused work while another enjoys a warmer living room, all without compromise.

Together, innovations such as humidity control, quiet operation and zoned performance can help to create a comfortable, relaxing indoor space. Comfort is no longer a single number on a thermostat, but a balance of temperature, moisture, sound and consistency.

Manufacturers like Rheem, a leader in the HVAC industry, drive this evolution by combining advanced compressors, noise reduction and flexible designs into next-generation systems, resulting in refined indoor living suited to today’s needs.

For today’s homeowners, comfort is no longer defined by a single number on a thermostat — it’s the sum of every breath, sound and temperature in the spaces where life happens. The HVAC systems being built today are finally catching up to that reality, creating comfortable, quieter and more adaptable living spaces.

2026-06-11T08:01:00

(BPT) – The housing market changes by the day, creating both challenges and new opportunities for buyers navigating today’s uncertainty. Amid this fluctuating landscape, newly constructed homes are rapidly gaining traction as a smarter alternative to resale properties. With competitive pricing, modern features and minimal surprises, these homes are reshaping perceptions of what is affordable and attainable.

Here’s why an increasing number of buyers — from first-timers to luxury seekers — are prioritizing new builds over previously owned options.

1. Builder incentives are closing the price gap

The generalized notion that new construction costs significantly more than resale homes doesn’t consider all factors. Today’s housing market offers a range of value-driven opportunities that help make new construction more attainable, from reduced mortgage rates to lower closing costs. Builders like Century Communities are streamlining the homebuying process, making new homes a smart investment with modern features, energy efficiency and fewer unforeseen expenses, all while delivering lasting value for years to come.

“These financial advantages often lower closing costs and reduce monthly payments, making new construction competitive with, or even more affordable than, resale homes once you factor in the mortgage and any immediate repair costs older homes typically require,” said Jim Francescon, an executive at Century Communities. “As a rule of thumb, resale homeowners should expect to set aside 1% to 4% of their home’s value annually for repairs and maintenance — on a $400,000 home, that’s up to $16,000 per year. With a new build, builder warranties and modern systems can significantly reduce these costs, offering buyers considerable savings in the early years of ownership.”

According to the National Association of Home Builders, 64% of builders offered sales incentives and 37% cut prices in 2025. Other financial benefits builders may offer include lower closing costs and reduced interest rates, making homeownership more affordable.

2. Skip the bidding wars and costly surprises

Resale homes often come with competition and unexpected expenses. Multiple-offer situations can drive prices above asking, while inspection reports frequently reveal costly issues: aging roofs, outdated HVAC systems, problematic plumbing or electrical work that doesn’t meet current code.

New construction eliminates these headaches. Everything is new, built to current standards and comes with warranties, meaning you won’t face a potential $15,000 HVAC replacement or $20,000 roof repair in your first year of homeownership.

3. Energy efficiency that impacts your monthly budget

Today’s building codes mandate energy efficiency standards that didn’t exist even a decade ago. The result? New homes feature better insulation, energy-efficient appliances and advanced window technology that significantly reduce monthly utility costs.

For example, new homes from Century Communities include features like ENERGY STAR^®-certified appliances, Low-E windows, WaterSense^®-certified fixtures and tankless water heaters that aren’t just environmentally friendly, they translate to real savings every month. Over years of homeownership, the difference between heating and cooling a new home versus an older one can amount to thousands of dollars.

4. Modern layouts designed for how people actually live

Resale homes often reflect outdated design trends, closed-off rooms, limited storage, smaller closets and floor plans that don’t accommodate today’s work-from-home reality or open-concept living preferences.

New construction from homebuilders like Century Communities offers layouts tailored to contemporary lifestyles, with flexible spaces, home office options and — depending on the stage of construction — the ability to customize finishes, colors and fixtures before you move in. No need to live with someone else’s choices or spend additional money renovating.

5. Warranty protection and peace of mind

New homes typically come with builder warranties covering structural elements and major systems, protection rarely available with resale properties. This coverage reduces the stress and financial risk of unexpected failures during your first years of homeownership.

6. The market advantage

While personal preferences vary, the current market conditions make new construction particularly appealing. The combination of builder incentives, modern efficiency standards and move-in-ready quality is creating value that’s hard to match in the resale market.

For buyers weighing their options, new construction deserves serious consideration — not just as the premium choice, but as the practical one. To learn more about the advantages of buying a new build and to explore a range of high-quality homes at various prices, visit CenturyCommunities.com.

2026-06-03T09:01:00

(BPT) – When humidity rises, many homeowners turn up the AC, but that can be expensive. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that heating and cooling account for about 52% of the average U.S. home’s energy use.

The good news: you don’t have to choose between comfort and saving money. Elizabeth Shavers, Director of IHT and Safety at Oncourse Home Solutions, shares five expert tips to help you keep both your home and your budget cool this summer.

1. Give your thermostat a vacation

“Treat your thermostat like a speed limit, not a volume knob,” Shavers says. “Setting it to 65°F won’t cool the house any faster; it just forces the system to run longer and waste energy.”

According to the Department of Energy, homeowners can save roughly 3% on their cooling bill for every degree they raise the thermostat.

“Try setting it to 78°F when you’re home and nudging it up a few degrees when you’re away. This simple shift can reduce annual cooling costs by as much as 10%,” Shavers says.

2. Don’t let dust drain your budget

“A dirty AC unit doesn’t work as well,” Shavers says. “If the coils — the tubes that carry refrigerant and transfer heat — get covered in dust, your system will work much harder to move less air.”

What you can do:

• Change your air filter every 30 to 90 days. If you have pets or allergies, aim for the 30-day mark.
• Keep the outdoor condenser unit clear of debris and ensure the unit has adequate space around it for proper airflow.
• Schedule a professional tune-up. While cleaning your AC yourself helps, Shavers says a professional Cooling Maintenance or Heating & Cooling Maintenance visit makes the biggest difference. A technician can clean internal components and ensure the system is running efficiently.

3. Neutralize the silent killer of appliances

Summer brings heat and storms. Power surges from lightning or grid issues can damage sensitive circuit boards in modern cooling units.

“Homeowners are often surprised that modern, high-efficiency units are actually more vulnerable to electrical fluctuations,” says Shavers. “Small, silent surges from the grid can accumulate until the system suddenly fails.”

What you can do:

• Use high-quality surge strips for small electronics, but never plug major AC units into standard power strips.
• Get a dedicated Surge Protection plan. It works like a firewall for your home, and is installed at your electrical panel to stop power surges before they reach your home’s wiring.

“With the average cost of a central air conditioning replacement now ranging from $5,000 to over $12,000, according to industry data from Angi and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, this proactive step can prevent a small electrical glitch from becoming a total system loss,” Shavers says.

4. Reverse your perspective

Check your ceiling fans. In summer, the blades should spin counterclockwise to push cool air down.

“This creates a wind-chill effect, so you can raise the thermostat by about 4 degrees and still feel comfortable,” Shavers says. “It’s the cheapest cooling trick you have. Just remember, fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.”

5. Future-proof your peace of mind

Efficiency isn’t just about saving money on your monthly bill; it’s about avoiding the “emergency tax.” If your cooling system breaks down on a 95-degree Sunday, repairs can be incredibly expensive.

“Many homeowners are moving toward proactive protection to avoid last-minute stress,” says Shavers. “Comprehensive coverage, like the warranty plans from Oncourse Home Solutions, helps U.S. homeowners save more than $100 million annually in unexpected repair costs. By using a pre-vetted network of trusted technicians, we handle scheduling and price comparisons for you. This ensures that when something goes wrong, the solution is already in motion, allowing you to keep your cool even when the temperature rises.”

Stay cool and save. Find more energy-smart solutions at oncourse.com.

2026-05-30T23:01:00

(BPT) – (Photo depicts samples of James Hardie^® siding, wood based siding, and vinyl siding simultaneously exposed to direct flame until failure.)

Last January, the Eaton Fire swept through the San Gabriel Mountains, devastating several Southern California communities. Altadena was one of the communities hit hardest by the fire, with thousands of structures damaged or destroyed.

For the families whose houses burned down during the disaster, they lost more than the roof over their heads. They lost their homes — places defined by families’ moments of joy and special memories.

The people of Altadena have spent the last year rebuilding and revitalizing their community, and they haven’t had to do it alone. Thanks to the efforts of San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity (SGV Habitat) and James Hardie Building Products Inc, Altadena families are finding their footing again, one home at a time.

Rebuilding with resilience in mind

Habitat for Humanity has a long history of helping communities recover from disasters, including hurricanes, floods and wildfires. Through its partnership with James Hardie — a leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions — SVG Habitat has completed construction on the first 25 Altadena homes in the community using the company’s durable, fire-resistant and noncombustible products.

“We’ve said from the start that this is not just about rebuilding homes. It’s about restoring hope, stability and a future,” said Bryan Wong, chief executive officer with SGV Habitat. “We’re making strong progress to help this community move forward after a devastating loss, thanks to this donation from James Hardie.”

For James Hardie, this isn’t a one-off donation. As part of a multiyear effort, the company has committed to donating its best-in-class fire-resistant products, including noncombustible* Hardie^® fiber cement siding and top-rated fire-resistant TimberTech^® decking, as well as AZEK^® trim and fascia products.

“Our portfolio of resilient products is purposely designed and engineered to stand up to the harshest elements,” said Amanda Cimaglia, vice president of Global Sustainability at James Hardie. “We are proud to support San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity in their rebuilding efforts after the devastating wildfire in Altadena.”

The home designs are based on preapproved Foothill Catalog design, developed specifically for post-wildfire rebuilding to support faster construction and improved resilience. Combined with James Hardie’s fire-resistant and noncombustible building materials, these homes have been rebuilt with resilience in mind, using materials that help harden them against external fires.

“A home is more than a structure. It’s a place of refuge, stability and belonging,” said Cimaglia. “As extreme weather events become more frequent, a home’s exterior is its first line of defense — and resilient building materials play an increasingly important role in helping communities rebuild stronger to be better prepared for the future.”

To learn more about James Hardie fiber cement products, visit JamesHardie.com/Fire.

*Hardie^® fiber cement products are noncombustible and/or have a Class A fire rating when tested in accordance with ASTM E84. Fiber cement fire resistance does not extend to applied paints or coatings, which may be damaged or char when exposed to flames. The use of noncombustible siding, combined with other fire mitigation measures, can help harden a home against external fire.

2026-05-20T07:01:00

(BPT) – It’s finally here: plenty of bright sunshine, warm weather and the lively atmosphere that only summer can deliver. You’re totally ready to kick it up a notch and enjoy the season, but is your home? Beyond doing a deep clean and de-clutter for the season, chances are your living spaces could use a total refresh to help you celebrate the summer months in style.

To help you get your home feeling as summery as it does outdoors, try these simple steps to liven up each room.

Freshen up your bedroom

This is definitely the right time to make the switch to a fresh, lightweight duvet or comforter for your bed. Look for bedding colors that invoke beachy summer vibes, like cool light greens and blues, or that create the feeling of a warm sunny garden with colors like peach, pink or lavender.

Pro tip: Stay cooler all night long by choosing breathable fabrics for your bedding, like cotton percale, linen and bamboo.

Make your kitchen party-ready

Brighten up your space in an unexpected way this summer with an exciting new approach to the trash bags in your kitchen. Add a joyful pop of color along with appealing scents by trying out the new vibrant peach bags from the Hefty^® Color Series lineup, which combine trusted Hefty strength and performance with the Fabuloso^® Peach fragrance to help your kitchen stay clean and fresh all season long. You can feel confident that these bags will combat most stubborn kitchen smells, thanks to Hefty’s powerful odor neutralization and extended scent release.

Pro tip: Personalize each space with vibrant scents and bold pops of color that bring personality to everyday routines. With Hefty Color Series, you can brighten up multiple spaces in your home and customize the experience by room. Available in a variety of sizes, each product adds a playful, functional touch throughout your home. For example, use Hefty Ultra Strong Tall Trash Bags with Fabuloso Peach Scent in a vibrant peach color in your kitchen, Hefty Small Trash Bags in Fabuloso Lavender Scent in a vivid purple color in your bathroom, and Hefty Medium Trash Bags in Fabuloso Watermelon Scent in a bold pink color in your laundry room.

Put the life back in your living room

To make your living room feel a bit livelier, swap out heavier window treatments like dark-colored drapes or blinds with lighter treatments that let in more natural light. Swap out older, dated throw pillows or rugs for a few new options that feature brighter colors. Try a tropical theme or use floral-inspired abstract designs to create an even more summery ambiance.

Pro tip: If your living room still seems dreary after trying these tips, swap out your light bulbs for white light bulbs (4000 K to 6000 K), which have a cooler tone that more closely resembles natural light.

Brighten your bathrooms

You can instantly update the look of your bathroom for summer with a few simple swaps — no plumbing required! Changing out your shower curtains and opting for a lighter and brighter shade (and lighter weight) of towels and bathmats can make a world of difference. Consider adding a small plant or two to help create a coastal or tropical atmosphere, choosing plants that thrive in high humidity and don’t need direct sunlight.

Pro tip: Bathroom accessories that work together don’t have to match perfectly. Simply select a consistent color palette that looks great and evokes the feeling of summer for you. Think contrasting color pairs like olive green and peach, lavender with mint green or navy blue against crisp white.

Uplift your laundry area

Give your laundry room a facelift with a fresh coat of paint in a brighter color or introduce better organization in summery ways with a set of woven baskets or bamboo hampers. And don’t forget to bring a pop of fun color and fresh scent into your revamped laundry space with one of the Hefty Color Series Medium Trash Bags in Fabuloso Peach, Watermelon, or Lavender.

Pro tip: Need more space for drying items? Install a wall-mounted drying rack to help keep counters clear.

All of these tips will help your home feel brighter and fresher, so you’ll be ready for anything the summer has in store.

Visit Hefty.com to check out the new Fabuloso Peach scent, a permanent addition to the Hefty Color Series lineup, available exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide and online at Walmart.com.

2026-05-03T08:01:01

(BPT) – You probably know someone in your community who makes a difference every day. Whether they are a health care worker or first responder, a teacher or Army Reservist, a community volunteer or veteran — or simply one of your neighbors who deserves a helping hand, the Feel The Love program sponsored by the LII Lennox Foundation wants to know about them.

For anyone who may be facing financial hardship or illness, or who may have been impacted by a natural disaster, having a home that provides the worry-free safety and comfort of heating and cooling is crucial.

Lennox, a leading provider of reliable home comfort solutions, and the LII Lennox Foundation are kicking off their annual Feel The Love program in partnership with residential dealers across the U.S. and Canada. Through the program, Lennox donates essential heating and cooling equipment, while local Lennox dealers generously donate their time, expertise, and resources to install HVAC units for deserving homeowners, as well as nonprofit organizations. The LII Lennox Foundation, established in 2023, sponsors Feel The Love and other charitable initiatives that help support the communities where Lennox employees live and work.

How Feel the Love helps provide reliable heating and cooling where it’s needed

Since 2009, Feel The Love has installed more than 3,100 heating and cooling systems for homeowners in need across North America, including over 400 installs in 2025 alone. The Feel The Love program provides much-needed relief to those who may be struggling with uncomfortable living conditions. It also brings communities together, encouraging a spirit of generosity and support.

It’s easy to get involved: Submit your nomination today

Anyone can submit their nominations for the program starting on May 1 of this year, with nominations closing on Aug. 31, 2026. During Feel The Love Week held annually each October, the selected recipients will receive a new, high-efficiency Lennox heating or cooling unit, professionally installed by participating local Lennox dealers, at no cost to them.

Do you know about a nonprofit organization that is helping your community be a better place? You can nominate them, too: Now 501(c)(3) nonprofits are also accepted as Feel The Love program nominees (though they must be able to take residential HVAC equipment).

Last year, the Feel The Love program provided four new much-needed air conditioning units for H.A.L.O.’s No Kill Animal Shelter in Sebastian, Florida, to help keep the shelter’s staff and their many rescued animals feeling safe and comfortable all year long — even throughout the famously hot and humid Florida summers.

To learn more, or if you’d like to nominate a community member or nonprofit organization for this year’s Feel The Love program between May 1 and Aug. 31, visit FeelTheLove.com.

2026-04-27T12:01:00

(BPT) – Across the country, developers are breathing new life into abandoned hospitals, historic churches, vacant offices and deserted malls, transforming these underutilized buildings into apartments, hotels and mixed-use spaces through adaptive reuse strategies.

Adaptive reuse is an attractive option for many developers and building owners and has been steadily gaining popularity over the last couple of decades. According to RentCafe, in 2024 alone, close to 25,000 apartments from adaptive reuse projects were completed in the U.S., representing a 50% increase from the prior year.

Why has this trend taken off? Because adaptive reuse repurposes existing buildings instead of demolishing them and starting fresh, check out this YouTube link for a method that can lead to lower construction costs, speed project delivery, enhance sustainability and extend the life of existing structures. That said, adaptive reuse comes with its own challenges, especially when it comes to plumbing.

Plumbing challenges when converting existing buildings

Converting structures originally designed as offices or other commercial purposes into residential or hospitality spaces often presents plumbing challenges. Because these buildings weren’t built to accommodate additional wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens or laundry rooms, installing traditional below-floor plumbing can require extensive demolition or costly infrastructure changes.

For example, when the project team at ABA Constructors Inc. was tasked with reimagining a Clearwater, Florida, office property’s plumbing infrastructure to support residential and hospitality demands, they knew they had quite the challenge on their hands.

The mixed-use project called for approximately 80 apartments and 40 hotel units, requiring more than 110 bathrooms. The original structure of the building was not designed to support this level of plumbing density. Without a closely spaced plumbing stack, a traditional gravity plumbing system was a non-starter.

Another issue that the team had to deal with was the fact that multiple floors remained occupied by office tenants with active leases. Traditional plumbing methods would have required cutting into structural concrete slabs, disrupting tenants below.

Had the ABA team decided to move forward with below-floor plumbing, the contractors would have had to install all the plumbing at night or shut down the occupied spaces. However, they decided to move forward with a creative, alternative method that allowed the team to avoid unnecessary and disruptive demolition: Above-floor plumbing.

How a flexible plumbing solution makes adaptive reuse possible

Above-floor plumbing solutions — like grinder and drain pumps — allow developers, architects, engineers and contractors to add wet areas without breaking concrete floors. In the case of the Clearwater building, the ABA team chose to install three different SFA Saniflo above-floor plumbing systems to address the multiple needs of the reuse project.

When adding plumbing to the converted two-bedroom, two-bath apartments, ABA installed a Sanibest Pro grinder system (the workhorse of the Saniflo line) behind each room’s toilet to handle that fixture’s wastewater as well as gray water drainage from the nearby shower and bathroom sink. The team also used this grinder solution in each guest bathroom of the hotel area of the building.

Meanwhile, one Sanicom 1 commercial-grade drain pump was installed to move the wastewater from the added laundry facilities. This drain pump model is designed to handle high-temperature gray water in demanding residential and commercial applications.

Finally, the contractors installed a Saniswift Pro drain pump to move wastewater from the kitchen sink. While this powerful, compact gray water drain pump is typically recommended for residential projects, it easily met the needs for this adaptive reuse project.

Preservation and innovation aren’t mutually exclusive. By using a creative solution like above-floor plumbing, contractors and other adaptive reuse project stakeholders can add modern conveniences to existing buildings, giving them a new purpose. To learn more about above-floor plumbing and how these solutions have made challenging or impossible projects feasible, visit SFASaniflo.com.